Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has made a series of explosive allegations against Nigeria's security agencies, declaring that the so-called "unknown gunmen" terrorising the nation are in fact serving members of the military, police, immigration, and customs services. The activist made the stunning claims on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, while speaking as a panelist at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he addressed the session titled "Known Gun Men".
In a direct and unflinching address to a panel that included the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs, VDM rejected the common description of armed attackers as "unknown gunmen". "There are no unknown gunmen anywhere. The military men are the unknown gunmen, the Immigration, the Customs – they are the unknown gunmen. Nobody else," he declared. He challenged the security chiefs directly, stating, "You people know where these people are. You people know these 'unknown gunmen'. But nothing is happening".
The activist questioned the effectiveness of the numerous police checkpoints across major highways, citing the Lagos-Abuja and Lokoja routes as examples where kidnappings persist despite the heavy security presence. He alleged that officers at these checkpoints gather intelligence on travellers, identifying those who appear wealthy and passing information to criminal networks ahead. "When you pass with a car, you will meet a checkpoint, the policeman tells you to wind down the car glass, open your boot – you open it... they make that call and say 'the red Corolla, somebody is there that can pay'," he explained.
VDM also linked the recurring farmer-herder conflicts to political interests and money laundering, alleging that large cattle herds are used to conceal stolen funds. "The money that has been stolen, they put it in the cows," he claimed, suggesting that some powerful figures have financial stakes in maintaining the status quo. He specifically referenced FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, challenging him to explain his knowledge of cattle investments.
Drawing on his experiences visiting communities affected by violence, including Yelwata in Benue State, Jos, Bokkos, and parts of Borno State, VDM described himself as a "first respondent" at scenes of violence. "I have seen blood and seen people burnt alive," he said. He also criticised the Nigerian media for what he described as inadequate coverage of violent attacks, saying journalists had become "lazy".
Explaining his invitation to the NBA conference, which had sparked mixed reactions, VDM said he was not there to teach lawyers about the law but to share his experiences. "There has been a lot of debate as to why VeryDarkMan is invited. I am not here to teach you the law. I am here to share an experience," he said.
His appearance at the conference drew sharp reactions on social media, with some questioning the decision to invite a social media influencer to address legal professionals, while others praised his courage and influence. Following his speech, VDM was presented with a recognition award by the NBA.
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